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For such a ubiquitous and seemingly straightforward item of clothing, jeans have a mystifying number of shapes and styles to choose from (perhaps not as many as jeans for women, but still quite a bit). Jeans also cover a vast swath of price ranges, from cheap and cheerful to designer denim by the most high end men’s clothing brands that elevate even your favorite hoodie. To help you pick a style that works for you, we’ve rounded up the absolute best jeans for men. Ditch the sweatpants, it’s time to talk denim.
How to choose the best jeans for men
Unlike buying joggers, finding the right jeans is more than just knowing your size and going to the same-old brand you’ve gone to for ages.
“I’d experiment with various brands and styles until you find something that meets both your aesthetic needs and personal requirements,” says Dimitry Loiseau, founder and chief editor of REGARD magazine. “Keeping up with the latest trends is always desirable, but remember to pick something comfortable and purchase what works best with your specific style and body type!”
Consider fit beyond the waist and inseam numbers
“First, make sure you love the fit,” Loiseau says. “Look for styles that provide optimal body contouring while remaining comfortable.” This also means knowing your body type, even if it does mean acknowledging that your thighs tend to feel constrained in some pairs of jeans, or that you may need to contemplate a pair from the big and tall section of a website, or even switch from raw denim to one with a little bit of stretch.
Look for material that lasts
“Second, focus on fabric quality, opting for pieces made of durable yet sustainably-sourced material to withstand regular use,” Loiseau continues. As a general rule, the heavier the denim weight, the more durable the jeans will be.
Keep an eye out for details
“Finally, pay attention to details such as stitching and hardware finishes, as these components contribute significantly to aesthetic and the overall quality elements in jeans,” Loiseau says. Though small, these little details elevate jeans into a pair that upgrades even basic pieces like a classic white t-shirt.
Less is more
“Our recommendation is to buy less, buy better, and choose from one of the smaller, American-based companies who cut and sew their denim in America,” says Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co. men’s boutique. “Typically, these companies are working with Japanese fabrics (the best denim), using selvedge looms/techniques (‘self-edge’). They understand and value the history of denim and have a passion for historical/heritage styles, fabrics, and details. Denim is an art to them, and as a result, they typically make higher quality, better fitting, better lasting products.”
Our top picks for the best jeans for men
Best stretch jeans for men: Bonobos Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans
Jeans have come a long way since their inception, and unless you’re a raw denim purist, the stiff, unforgiving jeans of yesteryear are all but forgotten. These days, most jeans will incorporate some kind of comfort-enhancing stretch materials, but of course, some are better than others. Charles Fratto, style director for ILOE Studios, recommends Bonobos’ offering, saying that, “With 4-way stretch capabilities, these jeans are perfect for long travel days without compromising mobility.”
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 28-36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 inches
- Inseam lengths: 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 inches
- Leg opening: Not listed
- Style: Slim
- Material: 92% cotton, 4% elastomultiester, 4% elastane
- Price on publish: $149
What we like:
- Comfortable
- Soft
- 11 different colors and shades
What we don’t like:
- A handful of customer reviews complain of a mothball-like smell from new pairs
The bottom line:
An incredibly comfortable and forgiving pair of jeans that you’ll forget you’re even wearing.
Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans
Best fitting jeans for men: Hiroshi Kato The Pen Slim
This may be the most subjective of all our entries, since everyone’s body shape and sense of what fits best on them is different, but these jeans are certainly worth a look. “They’re slim, but fit most body types and just look fantastic,” says Burch. “There’s a big enough leg opening to go over a boot, but just barely. This is just the best-fitting jean in the business.”
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 30-34, 36, 38, 40 inches
- Inseam lengths: Not listed (hemming may be required)
- Leg opening: Not listed
- Style: Slim
- Material: 96% cotton, 4% polyurethane
- Price on publish: $278
What we like:
- Beautiful design
- 4-way stretch
- Premium Japanese selvedge denim
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- No inseam options
The bottom line:
A great-looking, well-made pair of jeans, albeit with a higher price tag than some might like.
Hiroshi Kato The Pen Slim
Best jeans for men with big thighs: 7 For All Mankind Austyn Squiggle Relaxed Straight Jeans
Jeans aren’t always the most forgiving pants—especially during the long reign of skinny jeans in the 2000s—but there are options out there for the dudes who didn’t skip leg day. “If men require additional room in their thigh area, they want to look for jeans that are both flattering and silhouetted,” says Loiseau. “Brands like 7 For All Mankind offer jeans designed with relaxed or athletic fits that offer additional room within. These styles provide additional room while still creating a flattering silhouette.”
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 28-34, 36, 38 inches
- Inseam lengths: 33 inches
- Leg opening: 16 inches
- Style: Relaxed, straight
- Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
- Price on publish: $122.20
What we like:
- Roomy but still fitted
What we don’t like:
- Despite five shades being available, they’re all blue, without a ton of variation
The bottom line:
Cleverly designed to give larger-legged guys the room they need, without sacrificing a more stylish silhouette.
7 For All Mankind Austyn Squiggle Relaxed Straight Jeans
Best designer jeans for men: AllSaints Curtis Straight Fit Rigid Denim Jeans
You expect designer jeans to be expensive, of course, but you needn’t pay sums in the thousand-dollar range to get a good pair. While AllSaints isn’t always the most budget-friendly brand, their jeans are comparatively reasonable, and recommended by Fratto. “The impeccable fit of these AllSaints jeans only add to the overall vibe from this brand, making it a definite win,” he enthuses.
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 28, 30-34, 36, 38 inches
- Inseam lengths: 30 inches
- Leg opening: Not listed
- Style: Straight
- Material: 100% cotton
- Price on publish: $199
What we like:
- Well made, with attractive, subtle details
What we don’t like:
- No inseam options
- Probably not great for taller guys
- Only available in two colors
The bottom line:
High quality designer jeans at the lower end of the designer price spectrum.
AllSaints Curtis Straight Leg Jeans in Bleached Indigo at Nordstrom, Size 38
Best slim fit jeans for men: Frame L’Homme Slim Fit Jeans
Although skinny jeans are currently not as fashionable as they were, slim fit jeans are still a good look on most guys, giving you a more fitted, put together look when the occasion requires casual, but not too casual. “For an effortlessly modern aesthetic, brands such as Frame offer slim fitting jeans designed with tailored silhouettes, without compromising comfort,” says Loiseau. With the range of colors available here, you’ll be able to find a pair for pretty much any situation.
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 28-34, 36, 38, 40 inches
- Inseam lengths: 33 inches
- Leg opening: 13 inches
- Style: Slim
- Material: 93% organic cotton, 5% elasterell-p, 2% elastane
- Price on publish: $108.90 - $228, depending on color
What we like:
- 13 colors available
- Soft
What we don’t like:
- No inseam options
- Might not work for shorter guys
The bottom line:
A great looking and comfortable pair of jeans, available in a bunch of different colors.
FRAME L'Homme Slim Fit Jeans in Garage Faded Black at Nordstrom, Size 33
Best relaxed fit jeans for men: Freenote Cloth Belford Straight Cut
As fashion's pendulum inevitably swings again, many style-conscious folks have jumped straight from their skinny jeans into a baggy, wide-legged pair, but you don’t need to go full JNCOs just yet. Try a relaxed or even straight fit, which will have the wider silhouette that’s currently in, without feeling like you’re wearing a giant’s trousers. “If you’re looking for a straight fit, this is it,” says Burch. “They work great rolled up, with a pair of sneakers or engineer boots.”
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 29-36 inches
- Inseam lengths: 33 inches (29-33 waist) or 34.5 inches (34-36 waist)
- Leg opening: 16.5-18.25 inches (goes up by 0.25 inches per waist size)
- Style: Straight
- Material: Exact materials not listed
- Price on publish: $265
What we like:
- Beautifully made from 14 oz. selvedge denim from Yoshiwa Mills, Japan
- Classic look
What we don’t like:
- Only available in one color
- Expensive
The bottom line:
Wide enough to be contemporary, without looking like sails, and constructed in a classic, timeless manner.
Freenote Cloth Belford Straight Cut
Best jeans for athletic men: Madewell Athletic Slim Jeans
Getting swole comes with its own wardrobe risks—sure, maybe you’ve gone down a couple waist sizes, but now you can’t get your calves more than a few inches into your pant legs. “Men with athletic builds require jeans with extra room in the thigh and calf areas, such as those from Madewell,” says Loiseau. “They specialize in creating jeans specifically tailored to accommodate muscular builds without losing style.”
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 28-36, 38, 40 inches
- Inseam lengths: 30, 32, 34 inches
- Leg opening: 13.75 inches
- Style: Slim
- Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
- Price on publish: $108.50 - $138, depending on color
What we like:
- Available in nine colors
- Roomy while maintaining slim profile
- Lots of waist/inseam size combinations
What we don’t like:
- If you’re looking for a pair to wear for chores and errands, these may be a little more than you’d like to pay for
The bottom line:
A comfortable, roomy pair of jeans with a stylish shape, available in a ton of sizes and colors.
Madewell Athletic Slim Jeans in Black at Nordstrom, Size 36 X 30
Best skinny jeans for men: Acne North Skinny Fit Jeans
As we’ve mentioned already, skinny isn’t as stylish as it used to be when it comes to jeans. That said, if that’s the style you love—and honestly, it’s still the style that looks best with huge boots, sunglasses, and a punk or metal t-shirt—give these ones a try. “For an on-trend and stylish appearance, brands such as Acne Studios have excellent skinny jean options that flatter legs while remaining comfortable and durable,” says Loiseau. “This brand’s jeans feature slim designs which, again, flatter legs while providing ample support and mobility.”
Specifications:
- Waist sizes: 28-34, 36 inches
- Inseam lengths: 30, 32, 34 inches
- Leg opening: 14 inches
- Style: Skinny
- Material: 94% organic cotton, 5% recycled polyester, 1% elastane
- Price on publish: $290
What we like:
- Classic skinny shape, without looking like leggings
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
Stylish, well-made skinny jeans that don’t look like they’ve been sprayed on.
Acne North Skinny Fit Jeans
How we selected the best jeans for men
All of our selections were made through a combination of personal experience, consultation with our expert sources (who all have an intimate knowledge of denim and menswear in general), and ensuring that anything we picked had a majority of positive customer reviews, particularly regarding fit, comfort, and longevity.
Where to buy jeans for men
“There are various excellent stores where you can explore styles and brands,” says Loiseau. “Department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales often carry stylish designer jeans, while boutique shops may specialize in curating unique or ethically-sourced denim brands. Online retailers such as Mr Porter or Farfetch may also carry an expansive collection of premium jeans.”
“The internet is a wonderful thing and it makes shopping more accessible than ever before,” says Fratto. “Even if you go to a brick and mortar store to try on jeans, I recommend doing some research on brands online. Ideally you should look for brands that focus primarily on jeans, so you know you’ll be getting a product that has been meticulously tested, with expertly focused attention to the perfect fit and construction for you.”
How to measure your waist for men’s jeans
Knowing how to measure your waist properly can make finding the right pair of jeans easier–or at least, it should. “Not to be confusing, but when you’re asked for your waist measurement, you will most likely be measuring your hip size,” says Fratto. “Your true waist lies just above or at your belly button, but unless you're rocking those amazing 1970s jeans, you’re most likely going to be wearing a pair that sits at your hip.”
“The easiest way to find your true hip size is to take a measuring tape and measure the circumference of your torso, placing the tape right above your hip bones,” Fratto continues. “But a word of caution, be sure to check the size chart associated with the brand you’re looking at. Each brand is different: Some brands will refer to a true waist as the hip, while others will refer to a true hip as the hip. I’ve been in the fashion industry for many years and I must admit I sometimes get confused on what brands are actually referring to. But if you check the size chart and read customer reviews, I have no doubt that you will be able to navigate these waters with ease.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How often should I wash my jeans?
“As an advocate of sustainable practices, it's ideal to limit how often denim needs washing, otherwise it could lose shape and color over time,” advises Loiseau. “For minor stains or smells, use spot cleaner instead. When they do require full washing, use cold water along with eco-friendly detergents. Taking such steps will preserve fabric as well as maintain your jeans' integrity for years.”
“Some, if not most people, will be shocked to learn that you actually shouldn’t be washing your jeans as much as you think,” says Fratto. “Unless your jeans are getting unquestionably dirty with each wear, you should only be washing your jeans every four to five times you wear them. (I’ve even talked to those who would argue that you should extend the wash to every ten wears, but I am not one of those people.) When I do wash them, it’s always inside out, in warm to cool water. And don’t even think about throwing them into the dryer, always hang dry! This will ensure that your jeans will last longer and stay ‘crisper’, which is what we all want.”
What kinds of jeans are most fashionable?
“Slim fit and straight leg jeans have quickly become highly desirable styles of denim for men,” says Loiseau. “These styles provide an elegant and modern aesthetic that can easily be dressed up or down, depending on occasion. In addition, cropped styles with wide leg silhouettes have seen increased popularity, providing a relaxed yet contemporary aesthetic.”
“Currently, lots of fashion people are saying that ‘skinny’ is out,” says Burch. “That doesn’t mean ‘slim’ is out. Wearing a slimmer boot cut jean is very ‘in’ right now because of the big western resurgence–they’re wide enough to get over a boot, but slim enough to still make a guy look fit. There’s also a big resurgence of vintage workwear-inspired looks. This is typically a wider leg, rolled over a pair of cap-toe boots or a pair of heritage canvas high-tops (think Converse Chucks).”
Should men wear tight or loose jeans?
“This decision ultimately lies with you; however, a well-fitted pair of jeans generally tend to look best,” says Loiseau. “Avoid too tight or baggy styles, which compromise both style and comfort, and opt for something which allows free movement while maintaining a tailored appearance.”
How can you tell if jeans are high quality?
“There are various indicators you can use to evaluate the quality of jeans,” says Loiseau. “First, inspect their stitching; look for neat, evenly spaced seams along high stress points, like the crotch and pockets, where reinforced stitching may exist for increased durability. Next, investigate their fabric; look for substantial weave that shows little fraying or loose threads. Finally, pay attention to hardware features like buttons, zippers, and finishes. Brand accents are found only on quality jeans.”
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